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Japan to begin COVID booster shots for general public sooner than scheduled

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Excellent news. Let's just get on with it. Arms please!

7 ( +35 / -28 )

Omicron wave could be over well before the vaccine booster, which will not prevent any infection

2 ( +30 / -28 )

three doses of mRNA vaccines would provide immunity against Omicron.

Not an antivaxxer as I am 'fully vaccinated', or at least was told so when I received my second jab last year. But I don't believe this anymore, either you will be onto 4th, 5th and 6th boosters soon or a new variant will emerge and we start the process again.

Also what does 'immunity' mean, everyone on here has a different understanding of what these vaccines are supposed to do.

2 ( +25 / -23 )

Hurry up, hurry up!

1 ( +26 / -25 )

Why do we need to make and send out these damn coupons! Can they not just set up a database of all citizens, when they get vaccinated put a check beside their name. Other countries are just letting their people get the jab without such a convoluted system. but TIJ!

24 ( +35 / -11 )

didouToday  07:11 am JST

Omicron wave could be over well before the vaccine booster, which will not prevent any infection

The vaccine gives you the best chance of not dying from any of the strains of covid.

7 ( +31 / -24 )

According latest information, the booster shot loses his effectiveness already after 10 weeks.

So I am thinking to skip booster 1, 2, 3, 4 and resume with Booster Number 5.

Until then, I will survive with masks and social distance.

-15 ( +17 / -32 )

The vaccine gives you the best chance of not dying from any of the strains of covid.

So this article is misinformed when it said 'immunity'? What you described isn't immunity.

7 ( +22 / -15 )

I think we had the same news one month ago and it was already pointed out it was not an acceleration but more getting back to the norm as actually many countries are already more on a 4-6 months booster shoot.

In any case this acceleration has been pretty slow, close to 8 months after second shoot in Kawasaki and still waiting for any contact, voucher etc…

2 ( +11 / -9 )

Symptoms are noticeably less severe for those with 3 doses and more severe for those with zero. If you are young, fit and healthy most likely omicron won't be too bad anyway. The "booster" should be given to the vulnerable. I say should be but the government have had a two month period in which they should have already done this. As someone above pointed out, the omicron variant will have mostly passed before the needle go in the arms.

2 ( +12 / -10 )

*''Also what does 'immunity' mean, everyone on here has a different understanding of what these vaccines are supposed to do.''*

Haha, I would suggest the LAST place you want to come for information and understanding on just about anything is HERE!

22 ( +24 / -2 )

It’s been shortened to 4 months in Australia.

7 ( +15 / -8 )

So this article is misinformed when it said 'immunity'? What you described isn't immunity.

If you no longer "know" what immunity means, how do you know it is not?

It is not hard to google for the definition and you will find it is still the same as always, for example

"In medicine, the immune system’s way of protecting the body against an infectious disease. "

It does not guarantee anything, but it works against infection, usually preventing serious disease or death, and ideally also preventing infection, even if not a realistic goal.

This works the same for the vaccinia inoculation, polio, measles, rabies and COVID vaccines, the only ones that try to misrepresent the definition in order to deceive people are the antivaxxer groups.

-7 ( +18 / -25 )

My wife had her booster a month ago-this is not news but history…

-7 ( +7 / -14 )

Pfizer: These vaccines don't work. But our next ones will. And if those don't work, the ones after that will, trust us!

Isn't that the definition of insanity - doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?

The only difference in result will be Pfizer's bank account growing bigger and bigger.

-1 ( +21 / -22 )

Well, it may be too late to protect us from Omicron in all fairness, But probably in time to protect us from the next variant that the unvaccinated will create. Will we get get 'lucky' again with something that is 'apparently' as 'harmless' as Omicron though?

-1 ( +12 / -13 )

Not an antivaxxer as I am 'fully vaccinated', or at least was told so when I received my second jab last year. 

No one said that 2 shots was going to be the end, from the start nearly all the specialist and manufacturers said that boosters were a high probability, how often ( 6 months a years, etc...) Was not known.

" Fully vaccinated" meat that one has completed the initial series of shots and not a life time, again this has been said even before the first vaccine was developed.

0 ( +15 / -15 )

Hurry up and wait!!

3 ( +8 / -5 )

This is a joke! For the "over 65" folks, this means this month or next month at the earliest, and for people like me, March, if we are lucky.

By that time, odds are, I will have already caught it, or omicron will have burned itself out by then.

9 ( +15 / -6 )

Pfizer: These vaccines don't work. But our next ones will. And if those don't work, the ones after that will, trust us!

Isn't that the definition of insanity - doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?

The only difference in result will be Pfizer's bank account growing bigger and bigger.

No the real definition is anti vaxxers trying to constantly distort and make up stuff proven wrong, false and debunked by science to somehow try and make it seem like they are right.

Facts: vaccines lower the risk of catching, getting seriously ill, being hospitalized and dying from all forms of Covid.

0 ( +15 / -15 )

No one said that 2 shots was going to be the end, from the start nearly all the specialist and manufacturers said that boosters were a high probability, how often ( 6 months a years, etc...) Was not known.

" Fully vaccinated" meat that one has completed the initial series of shots and not a life time, again this has been said even before the first vaccine was developed.

So it's a never ending treadmill of jabs? Well like a previous poster said, two is enough for me, (I have the vaccine certificate from the government stating I am fully vaccinated).I will not be party to this madness anymore.

4 ( +14 / -10 )

Going along with this madness means you will have to take a new booster every few months, which is not something i'm willing to do.

”I can’t believe taking care of my health is an ongoing process. "

-1 ( +13 / -14 )

Why waste months with these booster ‘tickets’??? You can only get it if you had 2 shots. You have a piece of paper with the date of the last shot on it.

Easy to set up the reservation website so you input the date of your 2nd shot, then it will let you know from what date you can get the booster and what days, and.l where are available.

If you roll up to get a booster and your 2nd booster was too soon… as in you lied, you get sent to the back of the line and they will notify you after ALL the honest people got their booster.

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

So it's a never ending treadmill of jabs? Well like a previous poster said, two is enough for me, (I have the vaccine certificate from the government stating I am fully vaccinated).I will not be party to this madness anymore.

The problem is people that do not have enough education in science to understand scientific facts!

The problem started once the term "fully vaccinated" was used the best example of not understanding science is "global warming" you then get the uneducated in science going around after a cold spell saying silly things like " wow where is the global warming " had the term "climate change" been used from the start we scientifically uneducated wouldn't be thinking it was only going to be hot everywhere. The same for the vaccine by using " fully vaccinated" at first, the scientifically uneducated jumped to the conclusion it was lifetime and not the initial series of shots.

This is why the educated nearly 80% in Japan got vaccinated, (same in most countries with a well educated population.)

-8 ( +10 / -18 )

Over 36 million.

Over 65 years of age.

Let's get them protected now. Please

3 ( +8 / -5 )

Have you ever had the feeling like you’ve heard these same comments over and over? No one is forcing you to get vaccinated. Being evangelical isn’t going to change anyone’s mind.

0 ( +10 / -10 )

Yes it is true, according to the best avaiable science they do. Even if antivaxxers baselessly claim it is not.

I'm double jabbed so obviously not an 'antivaxxer'. I have one college who was double jabbed here in Japan, went to the UK for Christmas and caught covid and cannot get back now. Also three members of my family who are all double jabbed caught covid before Christmas and had to isolate over the holidays. That's just my close experiences. The claim that being vaccinated lowers your chance of catching the virus is disingenuous.

5 ( +12 / -7 )

The anti vaxxers, anti science will do or say anything to try and make what they think is a point, invent, distort, try linking unrelated things.

Best example was @blastcaptain the other day trying to link my recent heart attack to my having gotten vaccinated.

This despite the fact I clearly pointed out it was an hereditary condition I knew about.

Distorting facts, misrepresentation, false association, these are the tactics of the anti science anti vaxxers.

-11 ( +5 / -16 )

Actually it is and the fact that in places like Quebec Canada 90% of the population is vaccinated but as of last count over 60% of those presently seriously ill and in hospital with covid are from the tiny 10% not vaccinated.

Ah but you are conflating catching the virus with being hospitalized by the virus, two completely different points. We were discussing catching the virus claim, not getting seriously I'll after catching the virus which is a separate claim.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Scientists are working on a new vaccine that will target Omicron directly and it should be released in the next month or two. I'll be due for my booster around the same time. I'll be waitng for this one to be released.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

The issue isn't about whether the boosters are effective or not, it's the fact that you have to go through all the hustle every 3 months for the rest of your life.

So the issue for you is something that you completely imagined?

Who told you it’s every 3 months for the rest of your life? Can I get a quote?

-6 ( +6 / -12 )

Yep. Only you understand science.

If the scientific consensus say something agreeing with it is not something unique or that only few people do, but the opposite. The vast minority of the people that reject science are the ones that do not understand it (or are unable to accept it).

 it's the fact that you have to go through all the hustle every 3 months for the rest of your life.

That is exactly what people that do not understand the science would mistakenly conclude, for the majority of people this has not been proved to be necessary to keep the risk from COVID low.

I'm double jabbed so obviously not an 'antivaxxer'. 

What has this to do with the fact that antivaxxer groups do claim the vaccine do not reduce the risk of getting the infection, something that has been proved false scientifically?

The claim that being vaccinated lowers your chance of catching the virus is disingenuous.

No, it is not, it has been proved scientifically, just saying the science is wrong because you say so is not an argument, it is terribly easy to find out evidence that disprove your personal belief. Even against the non-targeted Delta variant.

https://www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj-2021-068848

Can you provide scientific evidence that vaccination do not reduce at all the risk of infection?

-9 ( +8 / -17 )

Vaccine may not be an iron wall. But it could be a shield for a while. Everyone please cooperate.

-6 ( +6 / -12 )

Alright enough with throwing around the word "science" in every sentence. It doesn't make you more "scientific".

But it does not make it false either, if your whole argument can be proved baseless by the available scientific evidence that still means you have no argument.

-7 ( +7 / -14 )

COVID-19 booster shots for Japan's general public will start sooner than initially scheduled amid a surge of new cases driven by the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant,

Once again, Japan only jumps into action once the horse has bolted from the stables.

...sending out vaccine tickets to residents in a timely manner.

Again? Did they not learn from the mess last time? Why is it so hard for them to just set up mass vaccine drives everywhere and let people walk in? Every bloody thing in this country is hindered and delayed by paperwork. Ffs.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Paper coupons will literally be the death of this country

1 ( +4 / -3 )

My guess is the peak for this wave will be sometime in perhaps early February so it looks like most people will not get their booster in time to be effectual. Seems like the virus is one step ahead. Fortunately this time it is a milder variant. I'm more interested in when there will be a vaccination targeting the variants available.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

I know far more Japanese than I know westerners in Japan and the interesting thing is I know of only 2 Japanese that are anti vaxxers but know about 8 westerners that are and all based on conspiracy theories and false junk science.

The vast majority of the Japanese people as with the first 2 shots will use their heads follow medical advice and get their boosters. Those conspiracy theorists and anti vaxxers do or say here makes little different as luckily for the Japanese these people at the most are 0.5% of the population

-3 ( +7 / -10 )

Same story about talking-promising speeding up the boosters for nearly a month now, a couple times, but no vouchers in the mail. I am just approaching 6 months since my last shot so if the voucher comes this month I might be able to arrange it next month depending on the waiting times to get a booking which is usually a couple weeks or more. And by then the omicron wave will probably be subsiding anyhow.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

virusrex "the available scientific evidence"...When pharmaceutical companies have the legal right to withhold data for 75 years, the "available" scientific evidence is insufficient, especially considering those same pharmaceutical companies have lost legal suits for billions of dollars for such things as ""failing to warn of lethal side side effects" ""concealing associative bladder cancer risks" etc

3 ( +9 / -6 )

Definitely not for me! I haven't even gotten the first shot...

2 ( +9 / -7 )

 I am just approaching 6 months since my last shot so if the voucher comes this month I might be able to arrange it next month depending on the waiting times to get a booking which is usually a couple weeks or more.

Would be good if only that long.

In any case the doctor I consulted with yesterday told me if it's hard to get a booking elsewhere I could get vaccinations at the clinic when I receive the vax ticket.

Anyhow the shots aren't just for omicron so ok even if subsiding, would actually be great if it does

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

I'll wait for the next, more lethal variant when we'll be told that the current vaccine is not suitable for it...I'll take my chances with the Omi-sniffles

1 ( +6 / -5 )

You beat me to it mate...this analogue, coupon in an envelope way of doing things is just pathetic in 2022. But what else can we expect from the analogue oyaji fossils in charge of decision making here.

Not like there arent any examples to look at overseas in terms of speeding up the process.

Process here in Japan seemed really fast when it was implemented, but could be faster of course.

The analogue way of giving out the tickets did not slow the process, the bottleneck was the actual jabbing capacity hindered by supply logistics issues

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Those conspiracy theorists and anti vaxxers do or say here makes little different as luckily for the Japanese these people at the most are 0.5% of the population

Interesting... I don't know where you derrive that 0.5% from but it's obviously not true.

https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASP714TR1P6YULZU00B.html

Or in other words, if the rate of compliance in less democratic countries like Europe and Australia would be 99.5%, what is it exactly that the vax prophets in those countries are so afraid of?

0 ( +5 / -5 )

I'll wait for the next, more lethal variant when we'll be told that the current vaccine is not suitable for it...I'll take my chances with the Omi-sniffles

Good thing you can choose.

Just don't forget, when/if you get infected, choose omicron, not delta

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Omicron wave could be over well before the vaccine booster, which will not prevent any infection.

which will reduce hospitalisation and deaths dramatically, proven in dozens of different countries,

imagine being afraid of a safe effective vaccine, better hide under your beds

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Good thing you can choose.

Agree.

Just don't forget, when/if you get infected, choose omicron, not delta

I guess I would have been infected multiple times by now, given that I'm unvaxxed, unmasked and haven't stayed at home a single day during the past 2 years.

But as you said: Good thing you can choose.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

Was hoping they'd get these out before Omi started to spread last year. Now I'm worried my grandmother will get infected before the booster rolls out.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I'll take my chances with the Omi-sniffles

make it sound like Delta doesnt exist, wait for the next variant, might get lucky again or it may turn out to be even worse than delta. imagine being afraid of a safe effective vaccine

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

Lol, whatever. Didn't even get the first shot, so could care less about the latest 'software update'.

Didn't get it, won't get it. And you can't make me, ever.

3 ( +9 / -6 )

It hasn't been widely publicized but testing is now much easier to access. There are 190 facilities giving free tests on a turn up basis...

The list is here..

https://tokyo-kensasuishin.jp/img/business.pdf

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

""failing to warn of lethal side side effects" 

5 billion vaccines administer worldwide so far where are these lethal side effects your refering too?

lung damage from getting covid unvaxxed is real, itll be with you for the rest of your life

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

There are 190 facilities giving free tests on a turn up basis...

Why would one want to waste his time for such a nonsense? I'm also not going to the hospital to have my leg x-rayed just because it might be broken...

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Lots of data and info on the Tokyo government website...

https://www.fukushihoken.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

As I've mentioned before i've no problems at the moment with antivaxers not getting the shots.

We don't have enough capacity so those who do want the vaccine can't get it fast enough or early enough.

Also more slots and space on the planes for vthose needing to travel

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

There’s no reason to not give the booster as soon as possible. The two vax regimen had ended months ago. It’s just a matter of policy and I don’t understand why Japan can’t, for the love of god, muster the courage to change policy as necessary.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

“This is why the educated nearly 80% in Japan got vaccinated, (same in most countries with a well educated population.)“

Actually most unvaxxed people that I know have a pretty high level of education (and I would include myself here). Blindly following the propaganda that's been stirred-up in the media is not really a sign of education/intelligence.

2 ( +11 / -9 )

"..Pfizer: These vaccines don't work. But our next ones will. And if those don't work, the ones after that will, trust us!

Isn't that the definition of insanity - doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?

The only difference in result will be Pfizer's bank account growing bigger and bigger..."

no, the definition of insanity is ignoring overwhelming scientific evidence of the efficacy of the vaccines and then brow beat everyone who doesn't wear their porous paper masks.....

The vaccines DO work. If boosters are needed because of mutated strains then it's primarily the fault of the unvaccinated providing a reservoir for the virus to infect and mutate in....vaccinated peoples immune systems react far quicker to snuff out the virus, reducing the chance of wild mutations breaking out and keeping us in this ridiculous cycle of emergency measures being threatened.

-4 ( +6 / -10 )

what takes the Japanese Govt. so long to do anything???

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Ian wrote "Just don't forget, when/if you get infected, choose omicron, not delta" I've been double vaccinated for the delta variant...first vaccination late September, 2nd vaccination mid October. Insufficient?

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

I didn't get my first jab, however I'm thinking if I don't want to take BOOSTER can I have money instead?

ah why, unvaxxed have the highest risk of ending up in hopsital and ICU, over 80% of Japanese that are in ICU are unvaxxed, same in Australia UK Germany NZ singapore etc.

why would governments pay unvaxxed when it them wholl be using up all the beds if they get covid, stopping people that the beds where actually intended for, operations heart attacks car accidents etc

Japan should do what Singapore has done, make unvaxxed that need hospitalisation from covid pay their own bills.

Unvaxxed are prominently the ones using up all the medical resources, and they think they should get paid for not getting vaxxed, LMFAO ignorant as well as illogical. LMFAO

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

klausdorth

So, 6 months after the last jab .... way to much time!

Other countries recommend 3 months (at the most) after the last jab.

Israel is on shot 4 now. Waiting for 5, 6, 7.....

Meanwhile, the European medical agency has finally changed their mind and says now that repeated "boosters" every few month is not the way to go, is risky for the natural immune system, and that a more sustainable solution should be found (such as a yearly shot combined with the flue shot.)

Seriously, I would like to know just how many "boosters" our mRNA vaxxers want to get?

6 ( +11 / -5 )

Sheik

he vaccines DO work. If boosters are needed because of mutated strains then it's primarily the fault of the unvaccinated providing a reservoir for the virus to infect and mutate in....vaccinated

Stop blaiming the others. If the vaccines work poorly, it is because they work poorly, not because the virus is still out there. And since the virus infects vaxxed and unvaxxed alike, the claim about a human "reservoir" is nonsensical.

2 ( +9 / -7 )

.first vaccination late September, 2nd vaccination mid October. Insufficient?

booster March

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

My guess is the peak for this wave will be sometime in perhaps early February so it looks like most people will not get their booster in time to be effectual. Seems like the virus is one step ahead. Fortunately this time it is a milder variant. I'm more interested in when there will be a vaccination targeting the variants available.

Of course the virus is 1 step ahead.....it too is trying to survive. This evolutionary pressure to survive is also usually a good thing for host species as it means a kind of equilibrium is required....the virus NEEDS a host, if the host dies then the virus dies....this creates pressure for evolution to "select" less dangerous strains of the virus to enable both pathogen and host to survive.....omicron has already shown this in real time....

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

wtfjapan: "so far where are these lethal side effects your refering too?" I'm referring to the suits filed against pharmaceutical companies who have been find for such things as "failing to warn of lethal side effects" We are smack dab in the middle of the Age of Information...I suggest Google as a search engine and inputing "list of largest pharmaceutical settlements" You'll find your answer there. You're welcome

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

*fined

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

CDCは3回目のワクチン追加接種の根拠として、感染予防効果は時間とともに減弱すること、追加接種でデルタ株を含めた変異株への予防効果が増強すること、COVID-19の症状を抑えることなどを挙げています。

Looking at the Japanese I am not sure that ‘immunity’ is the right translation, unless it means ‘degrees of immunity’.

‘感染予防効果 resistance against infection’, ‘変異株への予防効果 resistance against the new variant’ and ‘COVID-19の症状を抑えること ability to suppress symptoms’ seem to be more direct translations.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Blindly following the propaganda that's been stirred-up in the media is not really a sign of education/intelligence.

neither is believing the pseudoscience of the conspirasheep.

anybody that has intelligence and has followed vaccines over the last 70yrs, knows their fears are unfounded, especially with the data that shows most of these covid vaccines are effective and safe.

they run far fewer risks than actually catching covid unvaxxed. lung and respiratory damage from covid is real and lifelong

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

“i am happy to leave mine to people in hurry.

enjoy.

anytime welcome.”

Same here. I have three shots to give to those who need them now or lining up for them. Feeling like my body is still running on Windows 95 where no more updates or patches are needed/possible.

5 ( +11 / -6 )

PS Above quote is from a Japanese article discussing the necessity of a third shot: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/16d21c58e914ae26a7cd205dc264e46906c74faf

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

"So the issue for you is something that you completely imagined?"

What are you talking about? Are living in the same world as us?

There are 3 jabs so far, and the next one "customized for the new variant" is aligned and will be ready in March.

Nope. You said “every 3 months for the rest of your life”.

Where did you get this information?

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

 And since the virus infects vaxxed and unvaxxed alike, the claim about a human "reservoir" is nonsensical.

the long term health effects are far different.

Antivaxxer; oh im not getting vaxxed becuase I can still get infected, even when the statistics clearly show unvaxxed infected by covid are far more likely to be hospitalised have long term lung damage and even die from covid.

and antivaxxers wonder why theyre called dummies

-3 ( +7 / -10 )

“nandakandamandaToday  10:56 am JST

CDCは3回目のワクチン追加接種の根拠として、感染予防効果は時間とともに減弱すること、追加接種でデルタ株を含めた変異株への予防効果が増強すること、COVID-19の症状を抑えることなどを挙げています。

Looking at the Japanese I am not sure that ‘immunity’ is the right translation, unless it means ‘degrees of immunity’.

‘感染予防効果 resistance against infection’, ‘変異株への予防効果 resistance against the new variant’ and ‘COVID-19の症状を抑えること ability to suppress symptoms’ seem to be more direct translations.“

basically resistance against infections wears out over time, so the booster shot is expected to boost that up against both delta and new variant.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

CDCは3回目のワクチン追加接種の根拠として、感染予防効果は時間とともに減弱すること、追加接種でデルタ株を含めた変異株への予防効果が増強すること、COVID-19の症状を抑えることなどを挙げています。

Looking at the Japanese I am not sure that ‘immunity’ is the right translation, unless it means ‘degrees of immunity’.

I can't read the word 'immunity' in this text. As a native speaker I would translate it this way:

The CDC's suggestion for a third additional dose of vaccine is that the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing infection diminishes over time and that additional vaccination enhances the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing mutant strains, including delta strains, and that it suppresses the symptoms of COVID-19.

...never the less, the meaning is nonsense!

2 ( +5 / -3 )

“i am happy to leave mine to people in hurry.

enjoy.

anytime welcome.”

I have donated two shots so far and the third one very soon. No word of thank you from the vax junkies though...

-1 ( +8 / -9 )

hattorikunToday  10:40 am JST

Well you said it not me.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

virusrex "the available scientific evidence"...When pharmaceutical companies have the legal right to withhold data for 75 years, the "available" scientific evidence is insufficient, especially considering those same pharmaceutical companies have lost legal suits for billions of dollars for such things as ""failing to warn of lethal side side effects" ""concealing associative bladder cancer risks" etc

Well, the problem is that this is NOT happening, first because pharmaceutical companies have about zero control on the information collected from literally millions of vaccinated people on every country of the planet that confirm the safety and efficacy of the vaccines, second because the companies are not witholding any data, they have already given that to the different governments where the vaccines have been approved for use, what you are talking about is the logical delay expected from having only 10 government employees reviewing literally hundred of thousands of pages of documents that can't be released to the public according to the own government rules, specially if that document comes after hundreds of others that are still being processed for release.

Indeed, it's a great sign of intelligence to blindly follow everything you're told...

That is specially applicable when you repeat the same thing even if that has been repeatedly proved false to you. Fortunately scientific knowledge is based on the opposite principle.

Blindly following the propaganda that's been stirred-up in the media is not really a sign of education/intelligence.

What information from the media is different from what the experts and scientists of the world have said?

Meanwhile, the European medical agency has finally changed their mind and says now that repeated "boosters" every few month is not the way to go, is risky for the natural immune system, and that a more sustainable solution should be found (such as a yearly shot combined with the flue shot.)

There has been no reported evidence of risks for the immune system from the boosters anywhere

Stop blaiming the others. If the vaccines work poorly, it is because they work poorly, not because the virus is still out there

The point is that the vaccines do not work poorly, this is something the experts and scientist of the world coincide in.

-4 ( +7 / -11 )

Congratulations they finally realized the vaccine booster system is chasing it's tail

0 ( +4 / -4 )

ZaphodToday  10:50 am JST

Sheik

he vaccines DO work. If boosters are needed because of mutated strains then it's primarily the fault of the unvaccinated providing a reservoir for the virus to infect and mutate in....vaccinated

Stop blaiming the others. If the vaccines work poorly, it is because they work poorly, not because the virus is still out there. And since the virus infects vaxxed and unvaxxed alike, the claim about a human "reservoir" is nonsensical.

Perfect example of not understanding science.

You do realise that most years the flu vaccine is modified to adapt to the changes (AKA mutations) of the virus.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

wtfjapan: "what makes you thing covid vaccines will be the same," All I've said is pharmaceutical companies have a history of concealing adverse side effects, which they have a legal right to do, so it's not illogical to assume they are capable of doing so vis a vis covid data. Yes, I've been double vaccinated because I've taken a risk/benefit approach, but that doesn't mean I should reserve skepticism regarding companies who have been fined billions for "concealing negative effects" of their products in the past, including Japanese pharmaceutical company, Takeda, for "concealing associative bladder cancer risks" for one? I'll reserve my credulity, thanks. Too bad we aren't privy to ALL the data. That would go a long way in allowing people to make educated decisions based on facts and not internet hearsay either way.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

No word of thank you from the vax junkies though...

well thankyou for letting intelligent logically minded people move up the line,

theyre far more likely to survive this pandemic with little or no bad health effects from catching covid

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

My city was already scheduled to send out vouchers today, at least for the over 65 group. I hope it will now include everyone, so I can get this out of the way. Their website (excuse me, I mean "home page") still has the previous timetable: 6 months for health workers, 7 months for over 65 and over, and 8 months for under 65. But, it was last updated 3 days ago. Hopefully, it'll be updated by EOB today.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

 Yes, I've been double vaccinated because I've taken a risk/benefit approach, 

and theres your answer, you got vaxxed becasue the risk of longterm health effects hospitalisation and death from covid are far worse than the , tiny chance that the vaccines will cause mass health problems over the long term. backed up by 70yrs of vaccine development. at least youre following the science.

and yet you still have hesitancies that an antivaxxer conspirasheep would have!?

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

hattorikunToday  10:58 am JST

Same here. I have three shots to give to those who need them now or lining up for them. Feeling like my body is still running on Windows 95 where no more updates or patches are needed/possible.

And you think that's a good thing? That certainly helps to explain the state of Japan IT.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

wtfjapan: " tiny chance" I'd like to know exactly how "tiny" that chance is, however, pharmaceutical companies that are making billions upon billions are not legally bound to disclose their data on exactly how "tiny" that chance is.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

When I get my booster, I am willing to bet if I fall down the stairs and break my leg, some anti vaxxer is going to somehow link my falling to the booster.

I mean why not. I recently had a heart attack and pointed out it was due to an hereditary condition (that I was very aware of for decades) but some anti vaxxers had to make the "suggestion" that there was a link between the vaccine and my heart attack. ( Before any other anti vaxxers try to do the same, I and my male siblings have an hereditary coronary artery defect and we have known this for decades and all of us have eventually had to have surgery once it manifested itself, zero to do with the vaccine or covid).

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

Booster? Pff I haven't even gotten the first shot. I already have natural immunity from the real virus and since the vax doesn't prevent transmission or infection, there's literally zero incentive for me get it (I still have to wear a mask indoors, can't travel and have to forcefully comply the rest of the circus).

3 ( +10 / -7 )

Not all people who chose to not get vaccinated made their decision because they are afraid of any side effects. Even though long-term data is just not available yet - it just can't be given that the vaccine is out for just over a year now.

I for my part chose not to get vaccinated because I see no point in getting the jab for a disease which mortality rate is

3 ( +9 / -6 )

Not all people who chose to not get vaccinated made their decision because they are afraid of any side effects. Even though long-term data is just not available yet - it just can't be given that the vaccine is out for just over a year now. I for my part chose not to get vaccinated because I see no point in getting the jab for a disease which mortality rate is

2 ( +8 / -6 )

I for my part chose not to get vaccinated because I see no point in getting the jab for a disease which mortality rate is

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Not all people who chose to not get vaccinated made their decision because they are afraid of any side effects. Even though long-term data is just not available yet - it just can't be given that the vaccine is out for just over a year now.

I for my part chose not to get vaccinated because I see no point in getting the jab for a disease which mortality rate is lower than 0.0n% - I would also not get vaccinated if a legacy vaccine, e.g. non-mRNA type, was available.

I chose not to get vaccinated because I don't know of a single person who has died of this seasonal flu called Covid-19. I don't even know a person who knows a person...

Looking at statistical data from official sources, there is no increase in the total number of deaths if compared with the years before the so-called pandemic. That's a fact which everyone can easily verify by themselves.

I have never taken part in this global game and I will never do.

(Sorry for posting multiple times but seems like the smaller than sign causes the text to get truncated)

3 ( +9 / -6 )

@ El Rata

I already have natural immunity from the real virus

Oh? You can see your own antibodies and T-cells in your blood? That's good to know.

-4 ( +6 / -10 )

Why do anti-vaxxers feel the need to explain why they didn't get the vaccine? Do they feel like we think they are dumb?

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

Too slow. The maximum should have been four months for vulnerable groups and five months for the rest. On the other side a late boosting is still better than nothing at all. Except for the quite few ones who won’t make it now until the late booster shot.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Antiquesaving

Perfect example of not understanding science.

You do realise that most years the flu vaccine is modified to adapt to the changes (AKA mutations) of the virus.

You might want to double-check your "science". The "boosters" are offered because of rapidly decling efficacy, not because of new strains. In fact, there is no specific Omicron booster.

2 ( +9 / -7 )

TokyoJoe

Also what does 'immunity' mean, everyone on here has a different understanding of what these vaccines are supposed to do.

Interestingly, the CDC had to change the definition of "vaccine" to accomodate the mRNA shots, which as stands now offer nothing more than a better chance to avoid hospitalizations for a short time.

Using the current, watered-down definition, practically every antiviral drug could be called a "vaccine".

3 ( +8 / -5 )

KuroTokage

I for my part chose not to get vaccinated because I see no point in getting the jab for a disease which mortality rate is lower than 0.0n% - I would also not get vaccinated if a legacy vaccine, e.g. non-mRNA type, was available.

Depending on the age group, the mortality rates differ a lot. If you are over 70 and have several comorbidities, it can be quite high.

Fwiw, I am still open to a real vaccine (meeting the classical definition) like Novavax once it is offered.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

@WilliB

Using the current, watered-down definition, practically every antiviral drug could be called a "vaccine".

Anti-vaxxers are willing to take untested "antiviral drug" but not vaccines tested on 4,600,000,000 around the world.

Where's the logic in that?

-2 ( +7 / -9 )

Have fun with that...

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-01-11/repeat-booster-shots-risk-overloading-immune-system-ema-says

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Kurotogage...

There are 190 facilities giving free tests on a turn up basis...

Why would one want to waste his time for such a nonsense? I'm also not going to the hospital to have my leg x-rayed just because it might be broken...

Difficult one that..... Maybe you had covid symptoms and wanted to know if you had a cold or something possibly more serious. Delta still makes up 35% of case in Japan.

Kind of like if you had a bike accident and couldn't walk... then you might get the x-ray?

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

justasking: "Where's the logic in that?" Where's the comprehensive data on adverse effects of those 4,600,000,000?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Have fun with that...

There has been no data that indicate booster could "weaken" the immune system in any particular way, as long as any antibody being produce is at least partially neutralizing a booster still means a reduction of the risk compared with not boosting, the actual problem is if that reduction is significative enough to justify the cost. For vulnerable population that is still the case, but for the majority it may not, depending on the variant.

Interestingly, the CDC had to change the definition of "vaccine" to accomodate the mRNA shots, which as stands now offer nothing more than a better chance to avoid hospitalizations for a short time.

Using the current, watered-down definition, practically every antiviral drug could be called a "vaccine".

That is completely false, if the professionals that develop, test, use vaccines around the world say the vaccine is safe and effective this is still an invalid argument, a personal belief that replaces the professional opinion of the experts. And no, antiviral drugs do not elicit a specific immune response so they could not be called a vaccine, saying so is completely false.

The only difference between viral vectored vaccines and mRNA vaccines is if the viral genome is surrounded by proteins or by lipids.

You might want to double-check your "science". The "boosters" are offered because of rapidly decling efficacy, not because of new strains.

Not at all, the boosters become necessary because the reduced efficacy of the immune response is not enough to decrease the risk from the variants, even if it is still completely sufficient to do the same against the targeted strains. The factor that makes them necessary (for some people) is the appearance of escape mutant variants.

I for my part chose not to get vaccinated because I see no point in getting the jab for a disease which mortality rate is lower than 0.0n% - I would also not get vaccinated if a legacy vaccine, e.g. non-mRNA type, was available.

The problem is that both things are false, The US have had more than 800,000 deaths, if this means the 0.1% of the population then the US should have 800 million people and everybody would be already infected, wich is obviously not true. The risk coming from the infection are several orders of magnitude higher than from any of the vaccines used. So refusing one makes as much sense as refusing to use a seat belt because you are waiting for a new "safer" model, but keep driving.

" I'd like to know exactly how "tiny" that chance is, however, pharmaceutical companies that are making billions upon billions are not legally bound to disclose their data on exactly how "tiny" that chance is.

This is a non-argument. The pharmaceutical companies have given all that data to the governments of every country where the vaccines are used. But iven if they had not that would mean that you don't get access to conclusions made from thousands of vaccinations.... and will have to make do with conclusions made from literally Millions of vaccinations done, data that the companies have no control of.

Why would one want to waste his time for such a nonsense? I'm also not going to the hospital to have my leg x-rayed just because it might be broken...

Why would a woman need to go for a mammography or get checked for cervical cancer right? if she doesn't know she is sick obviusly there is no risk for her health, right? Same for people that might be infected with HIV.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

Make it non-mandatory, thanks Japan.

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

@Geeter

justasking: "Where's the logic in that?" Where's the comprehensive data on adverse effects of those 4,600,000,000?

It’s in every country’s health department website. There’s also one in WHO’s website.

But that won’t matter to anti-vaxxers though because no one had made a TikTok of it yet.

Antiviral drugs have hundreds of TikTok videos and posts on Parler so that must be very effective, right?

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

@garypen

“And you think that's a good thing? That certainly helps to explain the state of Japan IT.”

I didn’t say it’s a good thing. You assumed that for me. It so far has been working out for me, maybe not for you. And this doesn’t represent the state of Japan IT, which am not in any position to comment. Maybe you know about it a lot more than I do.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

virusrex

"Using the current, watered-down definition, practically every antiviral drug could be called a "vaccine"."

That is completely false, if the professionals that develop, test, use vaccines around the world say the vaccine is safe and effective this is still an invalid argument, a personal belief that replaces the professional opinion of the experts. And no, antiviral drugs do not elicit a specific immune response so they could not be called a vaccine, saying so is completely false.

Alas, your claim is completely false. Check the old definition of a "vaccine" and the new one, and see for yourself. It seems you are opining without checking facts first?

3 ( +7 / -4 )

justasking

@WilliB

Using the current, watered-down definition, practically every antiviral drug could be called a "vaccine".

Anti-vaxxers are willing to take untested "antiviral drug" but not vaccines tested on 4,600,000,000 around the world.

Where's the logic in that?

My comment was in re to the new watered-down definition of "vaccine" used by the CDC, and not about the merit or demerit of any drug. Read again.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

@Northernlife

“Who is anyone to judge what others do with their bodies.”

A simple thing but some has pushed the boundary to make it a topic to discuss and hate the other side so much these days.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

Ian wrote "Just don't forget, when/if you get infected, choose omicron, not delta" I've been double vaccinated for the delta variant...first vaccination late September, 2nd vaccination mid October. Insufficient?

Clearly having education isn't the same with being educated.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Antiquesaving

No one said that 2 shots was going to be the end, from the start nearly all the specialist and manufacturers said that boosters were a high probability, how often ( 6 months a years, etc...) Was not known.

Do you have reference for that claim? I do not remember that at all. What I do remember is a string of politicians declaring that the vaccinations would be the end of it.

Please share your source!

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Anyway no one needs to thank antivaxers for vaccine shots they didn't take, everyone Is supposed to have their own allocation so it will just go to waste.

Maybe you can thank them for the beds they'll occupy if they get sick though, going to the same doctors who advised them to get vaccinated.

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

There has been no data that indicate booster could "weaken" the immune system in any particular way, as long as any antibody being produce is at least partially neutralizing a booster still means a reduction of the risk compared with not boosting, the actual problem is if that reduction is significative enough to justify the cost. For vulnerable population that is still the case, but for the majority it may not, depending on the variant.

…..

So, the constant injections that program cells to create an immune response and their effects are not known?

Well, asking your doctor for the answer to whether there are dangers or not will be met by

“I don’t know”

Happy vaxxing!

8 ( +9 / -1 )

These should only be administered to the vulnerable not the whole population and certainly not the children.

we have the usual Fauchi Ouchi fans clamouring for another pr!ck in their arm and condemning those who don’t want one as anti vaxxers. It’s childish name calling at it’s worse, no nuance in their arguments it’s playground level banter.

6 ( +12 / -6 )

Ian: "Clearly having education isn't the same with being educated" Educate me vis a vis the adverse effects of covid vaccines. You can't, because that data is not available, so neither you nor I are educated on the matter.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

justasking wrote re comprehensive data on covid vaccine adverse effects: "It’s in every country’s health department website. There’s also one in WHO’s website." No, it's not

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Really interesting to see all the users on here begging for their booster shots.

Can't wait to get #3. Been over 8 months since #2. Not eligible to next month.

Though with a limited supply, I think unvaccinated countries should have priority.

It doesn't seem to matter that omicron will infect regardless of immunity status be it natural or vaccine based.

There's a difference between being infected with omicron with # of shots as a factor for protection.

It's not even about being "anxivaxx" anymore.

Yes it is.

It's about this hysterical fear of the virus and clinging to the belief that it will magically disappear or you're not going to get infected. Omicron is so weak compared to Delta but that doesn't get through to you.

Omicron is weak amongst the fully vaccinated. But it's still killing.

How long do you plan to keep up the boosters? Forever?

Sure, why not? I get the flu shot every year.

Are you aware the EU is currently debating if endless boosters will damage the immune system

Same EU that opposes GMOs based on antiscience fears?

Do you know that Pfizer is planning to have an omicron vaccine ready in a few months?

Yes, great news.

What then? Be on your third or forth booster but also want the omicron shot?

Yes, whatever it takes to eradicate the virus like we did smallpox.

-7 ( +4 / -11 )

Ian: "Clearly having education isn't the same with being educated" Educate me vis a vis the adverse effects of covid vaccines. You can't, because that data is not available, so neither you nor I are educated on the matter.

That's not the topic you introduced/asked

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Ian: That's the topic that concerns me

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

It's not even about being "anxivaxx" anymore. It's about this hysterical fear of the virus

A few times I've seen a not feigned fear of the virus by posters, hardly hysterical though.

But everyday I see hysterical fears of the vaccine.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

justasking: "Why can't Japan evaluate 99% of the 1,325 deaths following COVID vaccinations?" https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20211119/p2a/00m/0na/042000c

From the article: ""It's difficult to assess in a short period of time whether a death was due to the vaccine or not," a senior health ministry official explained. The World Health Organization has not requested cause of death determinations for individual cases,"

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Ian: That's the topic that concerns me

Below is what you asked

Ian wrote "Just don't forget, when/if you get infected, choose omicron, not delta" I've been double vaccinated for the delta variant...first vaccination late September, 2nd vaccination mid October. Insufficient?

nevermind lol

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Ian: As for the efficacy of current vaccines, it's clear it wanes. How effective will the next batch be? Neither you nor I know. What are the long term negative effects? Neither you nor I know that either. Where is the comprehensive data on adverse effects? Well, "some" are published on the WHO site as well as sites like the CDC's...However, according to this from a Japanese senior health ministry official regarding the 1,325 deaths that followed vaccinations "It's difficult to assess in a short period of time whether a death was due to the vaccine or not," a senior health ministry official explained. The World Health Organization has not requested cause of death determinations for individual cases,"...In other words...we don't know (we including you and me)

1 ( +6 / -5 )

CDC recommends vaccinations for young kids in the US, probably other countries, too how about here, does Japan have a similar recommendation?

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

Back on topic please.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

‘three doses of mRNA vaccines would provide immunity against Omicron’….what a load of absolute rubbish. Don’t these things get fact checked? I only know 10 people in the UK who have got/had corona and all (except the 2 children) have had 3 jabs (mRNA) and all have had the Omicron variant.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

But everyday I see hysterical fears of the vaccine.

Precisely because being antivax is predicated on hysterical fear of vaccines

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

‘three doses of mRNA vaccines would provide immunity against Omicron’….what a load of absolute rubbish. Don’t these things get fact checked?

Probably not.

Unfortunately, journalistic standards have also waned over the years and sorely need a boost

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

@Hello there: It's ok. It's free. But thanks.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Wow, that is like 6 kids or more! Well done. 

Offtopic but I wholeheartedly agree.

Ifasked by my friends my say on the matter is to have as many sa they can support well

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Unless you are over 65, a medical personnel or live in an elite neighborhood such as Minato, there is almost 0% chance you can get your voucher before August, and 99% chance you will get Omicron before your voucher arrives and therefore no longer needing the booster.

I would say it is impossible for anyone not to get Omicron within the next 2 months.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Alas, your claim is completely false. Check the old definition of a "vaccine" and the new one, and see for yourself. It seems you are opining without checking facts first?

Done antivirals do not fulfill neither of those definitions, they do not make the body produce immunity/protection (which are the same thing in this context). This means you are mistaken as said.

So, the constant injections that program cells to create an immune response and their effects are not known?

This may surprise people that do not understand immunology, but this is what your immune system does every day of your life, get stimulated against foreign antigens.

These should only be administered to the vulnerable not the whole population and certainly not the children.

If the vaccine reduces the risk then vaccination is justified, additionally the experts opinion is that vulnerable population can't realistically be protected with widespread transmission thanks to the possibility of asymptomatic carriers, so the best way to protect the people with high risk is to vaccinate the general population.

You can't, because that data is not available

Why would it not be available? the people that collect and review it work for the many different governments of the world, not for any company.

Omicron is so weak compared to Delta but that doesn't get through to you.

That does not mean it has no risk, or that this risks do not decrease thanks to vaccination (or boosters for those for whom they are indicated) The health authorities in South Africa have been clear in saying vaccination would have lowered the cost in lives Omicron have had in their country.

Are you aware the EU is currently debating if endless boosters will damage the immune system:

That should be easy since apparently no data is being shown that demonstrate this being a possibility, the real reason is not damage but cost/benefit. If people without boosters are still protected from the extra risk from the infection then that is enough.

What are the long term negative effects? Neither you nor I know that either.

But what the experts know is that COVID is much more likely to have more of them, specially because it already have several long term/permanent effects demonstrated. Which means that considering the possible extra problems to be found in the future is an argument for the vaccines, not against them.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

It’s funny how anti-vaxxers ask for reference all the time, as if their claims have merit.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

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